So Jeb Bush Is In But Can He Win-The GOP Nomination In 2016?

Jeb Bush (google image)

Opening Quote:  "I don't think a party can aspire to be the majority party if it's the old white guy party."- Jeb Bush


The former governor of Florida Jeb Bush officially announced his candidacy to a fired up crowd while attacking Hillary, Obama, and a few Senators also running for the GOP nomination in 2016. He seemed too be "beating around the 'Bush'" that Paul, Rubio, and Cruz can't fix the dysfunction in Washington when they are part of the problem. Bush vowed not too be another president who caters too Washington elites but instead a leader that challenges the negative culture embedding the nations capital.
So can Jeb win?

Where the rubber meets the road...

Yes! Jeb has the establishment backing and the biggest war-chest so it's a no-brainer. However in my gut and I feel possibly other conservatives agree- we want someone else!

Here's why:

(1) His last name- Jeb will be unable too move out from the shadow of the White House legacies left by his father and brother. Having 41, 43, and now possibly the 45th President from the same family seems a bit much. Furthermore whenever given the chance in the general election topics like the 2003 Iraq Invasion and financial crisis will be brought up.

(2) Common Core Education- I have heard it called "Obamacore" which doesn't sound good but I must admit too not being educated on the specifics. However my wife is a teacher and I understand  
there was not enough input from educators in the drafting and much was ignored when it comes too early childhood development specifically.
 Frankly though I don't even need too get into the "standards" because the Core takes away from states rights. It was created by private organizations funded by the federal gov't with no accountability too the taxpayers. Education cannot be fixed with a one size fits all "hat". One plan education for hundreds of millions across millions of miles cannot be good for the parents and students at the local level. That's why education was not intended to be the responsibility of the federal gov't in the first place.

(3) Immigration- I consider myself a conservative and I realize imperfect border security is better than no border security.
-I consider myself a conservative and I realize the GOP can't survive appealing only to white voters. (By the way I liked Jeb's speaking Spanish during his speech and holding the announcement at Miami-Dade was a good move. He will appeal to Hispanic voters which we need.)
-I consider myself a conservative and realize the status-quo on immigration is non-enforcement.
But...
Despite what he says I have this "gut" feeling Jeb's reform will be essentially amnesty and -I consider myself a conservative and am not for that.

Therefore,
Although I think Bush has the best chance too win against Hillary, should he get the conservative support? I just don't know. However we need too decide quickly so if he is the eventual nominee he will not be bloodied and wounded like Romney was last go around going into the general election. Hillary has already got the other side locked up and she's not even talking much less trading punches with a primary opponent. I find it unbelievable that a candidate running for president could have a strategy of not running too win. But it's working because she still wins in the polls. Incredible.

That being said...

My "head" says Jeb has the establishment, the money, and the resume (he was a good governor).

My "gut" says two biggies- education and immigration he's wrong on.

So Head or Gut?

A little advice for Jeb...

The first reason I wrote above of why Jeb couldn't win was him being a Bush and Americans desperately want to move away from another Clinton or Bush Presidency. However he and his advisors are handling the issue all wrong. Even a popular commentator on Fox (whom I respect) said Jeb was doing a good job distancing himself from the Bush name.

Wrong, wrong, wrong!

Doing things like making white posters with Jeb in big red letters surrounded by exclamation points is ridiculous. One of the things he has going for him is he looks presidential but Jeb sounds more like a mayor in the hills of Kentucky or West Virginia (no offense intended but you get the point).

Don't try too hide from the Bush name because it's impossible with the Democrats bringing it up every opportunity anyway. So instead of hiding, embrace it. Take out the venom's sting. Make the Bush name a positive. Be proud. Bush 43 is a better politician but Jeb is smarter and should no better. Both of them have big hearts and I think that's why he had trouble answering the "Iraq" question. He's listening too his advisors about what he should say or do instead of what he thinks.

Jeb, you love your family, your proud of your family, your family is part of who you are- so don't run from it. Americans like leaders who are proud and loyal to their family. It actually won't be that hard too flip it because the Bush family is popular with the American people. As far as his brother's policies Jeb has too convince America he's his own man but wouldn't he have too do that anyway?

As long as he's running away from the Bush name why shouldn't we?



Related Article:  http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/jeb-bush-announces-bid-for-2016-republican-presidential-run/ar-BBlaZVm?ocid=AARDHP
 















    

Can Ben Carson Win The GOP Presidential Nomination In 2016?

Dr. Ben Carson (google image)

Opening Quote:  "It doesn't matter if you come from the inner city. People who fail in life are people who finds lots of excuses. It's never too late for a person to recognize that they have potential in themselves."- Dr. Ben Carson


Famous neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson declared candidacy in his hometown of Detroit with a theme of freeing our nation of the overbearing government it has become. Our federal government being responsible for just the few things our Founding Fathers intended can know longer be seen in the rearview mirror. Carson assured those in attendance at the Detroit Music Hall (which is not far from the school bearing his name) that he is not anti-government but that Washington has overreached in exercising constitutional powers.

Dr.Carson is not a career politician (which explains some of his controversial statements) but instead is the former head of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins. His work inspired the movie "Gifted Hands" where Carson performed the first surgery separating twins connected at the head. Dr. Carson also wrote the book "America the Beautiful" which translated into public speaking about conservative themes for example the National Prayer Breakfast in 2013. This is the occasion where conservatives embraced him after his criticizing of the nation's overall direction with President Obama a few seats away. 

So can Ben Carson win the nomination?

Where the rubber meets the road...

No! Don't get me wrong Dr. Carson seems to be a socially conservative and strong Christian man. He opposes abortion rights and "same sex marriage". All good in my book!

But...

there are three things in my view keeping him from having a chance. First Dr. Carson has zero foreign policy experience. In today's world with ISIS and Iran's Nuclear Program breathing down our nation's throat now is not the time for a novice. He said in a recent interview he had been studying up for a couple of weeks- it's not enough.

Second there is to many Christian conservatives already in his lane trying to get the nomination. One is Mike Huckabee who has experience not only as a governor but has already won primaries in Iowa and several southern states. Despite Carson being a non-politician which many are wanting the task will be too difficult. I just don't see it!

Third and I think most damaging- his controversial remarks. In reality other than his wonderful work as a surgeon the controversial statements is what he is known for. Again don't get me wrong he is right that political correctness in our country has gone the way of the nomad. Furthermore he has admitted the inappropriateness of some of the comments and blamed it on his not being a professional politician. Dr. Carson has stated it was now his intention to stay away from issues that might get him in "trouble" but I have a feeling temptation when dangled by the media will just be to great. Blaming the ridiculous level that political correctness has gone is fine for a conservative commentator but it will not fly as President.

On the other hand I could be wrong. Maybe his weakness in foreign policy can be overcome by surrounding himself with the right people and maybe the electorate wanting a nonpolitician is stronger than I think which will distinguish him in the crowded field. After all most polls show around 15% have no confidence in the federal government and around 80% are unhappy with Washington.

To be honest I am rarely wrong (joke!) but he seems to be such a strong Christian I almost hope that I am. Most of you are probably familiar with his more questionable comments so I want to give you some other quotes by Dr. Carson.

"I always pray for God's guidance in my life and he always provides it. He opens the right doors he shuts the right doors. And I have faith in Him."

"Those of us who believe in God and derive our sense of right and wrong and ethics from God's Word really have no difficulty whatsoever defining where our ethics come from."

"The most important thing for me is having a relationship with God. To know that the owner, the creator of the universe loves you, sent His Son to die for your sins; that's very empowering. Knowing Him and knowing that He loves me gives me encouragement and confidence to move forward."

So now you can see why I like him and he just might be able to fix our Health Care problems. Maybe his controversial remarks can be overcome? He certainly wouldn't be the first President to say controversial things. Didn't President Obama say things like:

1) He had visited 57 states with one left to go
2) We won't negotiate with terrorists
3) His administration would be the most transparent in history
4) Benghazi was about a movie
5) The IRS is not targeting anyone
6) If you like your family doctor and health care plan you can keep it- period

And finally my personal favorite after working almost twenty years with the mentally and physically handicapped.
7) He compared his Bowling score to those of the Special Olympics.


In Closing...
"Through hard work, perseverance and a faith in God, you can live your dreams."- Dr. Ben Carson


Related Article:  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2015/05/03/ben-carson-president-republican-announcement/26633041/

If Clinton Is Eventually Pushed Aside Who's Up For The Democrats In 2016?

Jim Webb (google image)

Opening Quote:  "I learned long ago on the battlefields of Vietnam that in a Crisis, there is no substitute for clear-eyed leadership."- Jim Webb


If the democrats get nervous and decide not to board the Clinton Campaign Train then who are they going to ride with. Her success in early polls can be attributable to the fact she has 100% name recognition. In  fact I would argue it's her defining quality. President Obama proved elections are not won on name recognition alone.

But if not Hillary then who?

Okay I'm going to give you two alternatives that I believe are likely if Clinton has to step aside. Then I will tell you who I think democrats should go with. Also let me say these are not people who have a chance of overtaking Hillary like Obama did in 2012 but are only the last resorts if needed because she drops out. Dare I say there is no Barack Obama running this time for the democrats to dump Hillary for.

Let's take a look:
1) Former Governor Martin O'Malley of Maryland
First of all this pick may come partially from the fact I live in Maryland so I have seen or have been subjected to his leadership and  policies up close. I know he is a candidate who wants to be President but to me lacks the "it" factor needed too win. However he is very liberal. The powerful left will be happy with his stances on the death penalty, guns, and the popular "gay marriage" debate.

2) Howard Dean
I have written in a previous post that democrats might take another look at Secretary of State John Kerry. However unless the US/Iran Nuclear Program Talks turn out  a lot better than it looks now  that just is not happening. So I think Dean still has the necessary support from "Liberal-Land" if an alternative is required. Remember he was quite popular for a time back in the day. To me what did him in was that video at a rally where he unfortunately got a little too "excited".

Where the rubber meets the road...

Okay now for who I think the democrats should support if need be. None other than:
Former Senator Jim Webb of Virginia.
Okay I know the left will refuse to give him the nomination because of his stance on the "infamous" Keystone Pipeline alone but I'm  a conservative so why would they listen to me in the first place. The fact is Obama has pulled the party so far to the left Webb in my opinion is the best chance for the democrats to win other than Hillary. Libertarians will be attracted to Webb's chances of getting both parties to work together for the good of the country. As a decorated war hero with foreign policy experience he may be attractive to undecided voters in the general election with the current dangers surrounding us. 

"I know how to make decisions and I know how to lead."- Jim Webb

Two final thoughts:
1) For the democrats who like the liberal O'Malley if memory serves me correct he was not very influential in getting his Lieutenant Governor elected as he left office.

2) I know a Assistant Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Navy under Ronald Reagan does not sound like a democrat but remember Webb was against the Iraq War and Clinton and Kerry both voted for it.

In Closing...
"If I commit myself to something, I will commit my 100 percent."- Jim Webb


Related Article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/if-not-hillary-clinton-in-2016-then-who/2013/07/21/aa368564-f209-11e2-ae43-b31dc363c3bf_story.html

How Many Foreign Policy Failures Can President Obama Have?

President Obama (google image)

Opening Quote: "Iraq's future will be in the hands of it's people."- President Barack Obama ( It seems to me ISIS from Syria and Iran's Republican Guard are in control.)


President Obama's foreign policy is a mess!  The policies are incoherent, inconsistent, or altogether nonexistent. Let me list just a few results:

1) US/Iran Nuclear Program- I know some supporters of Obama might argue the final verdict is not in but everyone in the world knows the President is not a negotiator. I would argue the "framework" agreement, no matter which copy (US or Iran) your looking at is already in shambles.

2) Vladmir Putin- The Russian "Czar's" total disrespect for Obama and the US can in no way be looked at as a success. (Ukraine, Crimea, etc.)

3) Israel- President Obama has been disrespectful to our biggest and most important ally in the Middle East. What is the President thinking?

4) Syria- Even  former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton thinks our lack of leadership cost us here!

5) Iraq- Good move not solidifying a status of force agreement. I'm sure not leaving appropriate troops behind will not invite chaos like ISIS (JV team).

Where the rubber meets the road...

The above list could have went on and on but I think you can get the idea. I know I should have mentioned "Benghazi" but to be honest I don't want too think about it. It still makes me mad!
I am not so gullible too think every administration's foreign policy will not be without it's failures but some things I just don't get. For example:

1) Why has President Obama given more respect to our adversaries than our friends?

2) What is his thinking with Iran? Just think about it! Iran is one of the leading sponsors of terrorism in the world. However instead of trying to block their power and influence we leave Iraq too let Iran sweep in too fill the void.  I tell you watching Iran and ISIS fight it out over territory once secured by American blood is infuriating! Whoever wins we lose!

The problem is President Obama has approached his foreign policy like a "community organizer". The concept of cooperation can only trump competition when everyone plays fair. When you have "big bullies" on every block playing "cut-throat" competition is the only game in town. I'm not saying there is not a place for diplomacy. However credibility is a must. Obama does not have it. When you "draw a red line in the sand"-mean it. Unfortunately in the spirit of cooperation he has let the "bullies on the block" walk all over us.

Frankly his take on things might work for a tiny country in the middle of no where. However we are the United States of America. A superpower with responsibilities to the world. Don't get me wrong I am for being prudent and realistic but you cannot deny "American Exceptionalism" which Obama has done. Like it or not the world looks to us for guidance and we cannot lead from behind for our sake and the world.

Last thought...
Due in large part to President Obama's foreign policy failures America is seen as weak and in almost all cases perception is reality.

In closing...
"Al Qaeda has been decimated."-President Barack Obama  ( Today they hold more territory and power than ever.)


Related Article:  http://time.com/76868/obama-foreign-policy-cynicism/

                                                                                                           

So Can Marco Rubio Win The GOP Nomiation?

Marco Rubio (google image)

Opening Quote:  "The Hispanic community understands the American Dream and have not forgotten what they were promised- that in the U.S., a free market system, allows us all to succeed economically, achieve stability and security for your family and leave your children better off than yourselves."- Marco Rubio

On Monday Florida Senator Marco Rubio officially announced he's running for President. The son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio spoke too a crowd gathered in his hometown of Miami at the iconic Freedom Tower. The Tower, also known as the "Ellis Island of the South" holds personal meaning for Rubio as well as others in the Cuban-American community. Fleeing from Castro's Regime tens of thousands of Cuban immigrants were once processed by the federal government at the historic landmark.

In Rubio's speech he expressed that he was the candidate to defend the American Dream hoping to appeal to young, minorities, and less affluent voters. Trying too take advantage of his youth he said it was time for the new generation to take the reigns in the new century. Rubio felt it was time for older leaders with older ideas too step aside. He specifically mentioned how Hillary Clinton wanted too take the Country back too yesterday when it should be about tomorrow.
So the question is can Rubio win the GOP nomination?

Where the rubber meets the road...

Rubio is one of the most conservative members of Congress which should bode well for him in the primaries. However one of the "biggie's"- immigration remains a question mark. That being said I am hoping with him being Cuban-American he can lead the way for the Republican Party too connect with Hispanic voters. I believe, despite the immigration "barrier", the GOP must bring Hispanic voters into the party or winning elections will be more and more difficult. There are a great percentage of Hispanics that agree with Republicans on most issues but immigration continues too divide. Hopefully Rubio could help bridge the gap.

 As I have stated in a previous post the future is now so I hope he can at least be given a chance, but right now I kind of see Rubio stuck in the middle. Although he is very conservative I believe he would have a chance in the general election. Rubio is young, handsome and could pass as a democrat just looking at him. Remember JFK? Rubio has a Presidential presence about him. I have seen him speak where he came across as very "cool" which will be beneficial and the few times where he was a bit "nervous" I chalk up too youth. He will just get better throughout the process. So can Rubio win? Yes! I think the real question is can he lead?

In closing...
"You cannot give up on the American dream. We cannot allow our fears and our disappointments to lead us to silence and into inaction."- Marco Rubio


Related Article:  http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/13/politics/election-2016-marco-rubio-presidential-campaign/index.html

Who Will Be The GOP Nominee For President In 2016?

(google image)

Opening Quote:  "If you're sick and tired of the politics of cynicism and polls and principles, come and join the campaign."- George W. Bush

I realize it's extremely early but let's ponder who might be the Republican nominee for President in 2016. We certainly have a number of candidates to choose from seeing everybody and their brother seems to be throwing their hat in the ring. With so many possible contenders who do you think will eventually breakout as the front runner. Right now it seems to be Governor Walker from Wisconsin but I don't think it will last. Most polls show everyone under 20% so the nomination is essentially there for the taking.

I'm sure numerous contenders will have their day "in the sun" but who will be standing in the end?

Where the rubber meets the road...

Frankly I don't know! My guess is no one else does either it's just to early. That being said I will give you some of my thoughts:

Will it be...

Former Governor Mike Huckabee- No! He certainly knows how to win the Iowa Caucus which might give him some traction early. However after Huckabee's stint on the Fox News Channel, with a show which I liked by the way I just don't see the necessary "fire in the belly" to get it done.

Governor Scott Walker- No! I do respect what he's been able to do in Wisconsin which is probably why he's leading many polls now. However in the end I see him as a survivor not the President.

Senator Ted Cruz- No! I like him a lot because he's a true conservative. However he is to disliked by many powerful republicans after the "shutdown" mess. As always America says they want change but Cruz is just to conservative. His loyal base will keep him around for awhile but his loyal base ultimately won't be enough.

Senator Rand Paul- No! Although I could be wrong. He's got fundraising skills, infrastructure in early states, and a plan. Paul means business and is playing to win. I must admit I like his "gumption" but I find him a little "strange". I can't put my finger on it but I just don't see him as President. Also foreign policy?

Jeb Bush- No! I know deep down he probably is who everyone thinks will eventually be the GOP nominee. Bush has money and the establishment behind him. However I will give you two negatives:  immigration and he's a Bush! I respect the Bush family but three Presidents in thirty years from one family. I just don't see America voting for that!

So are you ready for my early pick?

Senator Marco Rubio- Yes! I know what your thinking but it's early so why can't he be my pick? He may be young and inexperienced but if a community organizer who gave one good speech at a democratic convention be President why not Rubio? He's very talented, from Florida an important state, and I think ready for "primetime". To be honest the GOP can't afford to wait. If Rubio can hang on long enough maybe others will jump on the bandwagon. The future is now or at least needs to be!

Last word...
My guess for vice president:  Governor John Kasich from Ohio.

In Closing...
"Honesty, integrity, and accountability, the values, which should be the hallmark of this government, have instead been thrown under the bus by an arrogant majority, casualties in a misguided campaign to shield from accountability those who abuse this House."- Louise Slaughter

Related Article:  http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_GOP_2016_GUNS?SITE=WIJAN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT















   

Can Senator Rand Paul Win In Run For President In 2016?

Senator Rand Paul (google image)

Opening Quote:  "Just because a couple of people on the Supreme Court declares something to be 'constitutional' does not make it so."- Rand Paul

On Tuesday, April 7th, Senator Ron Paul from Kentucky announced his campaign to run for the President of the United States in 2016. He vowed he would never become part of the Washington "machine" when elected. In Paul's speech he touched on many topics:  low taxes, term limits, balance budgets, and a job for whoever wants to work. As for as the "hot" topic of the US/Iran Nuclear Agreement Paul believed any final version must go before Congress for approval. In polls the Senator seems to be doing as good or better as other candidates against likely nominee Hillary Clinton.
So can Senator Paul win the Presidency?

Where the rubber meets the road...

No! I will give you one reason Paul can't win the Presidency:  he can't win the GOP nomination. Some of Paul's earlier statements make conservatives nervous. He comes across as an isolationist with troubling views on foreign policy. It's not a good time considering ISIS and Iran's Nuclear Program.

I'll give him credit for attempting to change his old perceptions. However in reality it's going to backfire. While trying to appeal to the Republican establishment types he has irritated some early supporters like those who supported his father in 2012. If you remember Ron Paul was able to "stir the pot" back then. Unfortunately the changes in direction ultimately makes him look like a flip-flopper. Paul needs to build on his father's success not diminish it. In the end though it will come down to the importance of foreign policy issues this election that will make the difference. Paul won't win.

On the other hand...

Although I stand behind what I wrote above, Senator Paul's broad themes of cutting spending and getting the government out of the way will connect with voters. Also despite what I wrote about his flip-flopping I believe many will understand the reasons why he's doing what he's doing therefore still see him as "authentic" when it comes to their beliefs.

In closing...
"If you hear me out, I believe you'll discover that what motivates me more than any other issue is the defense of everyone's rights."- Rand Paul


"LIMITED EDITION"-"I vote! Do you?"-t-shirt-click here:  http://teespring.com/proud-to-vote


Related Article:  http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/07/politics/rand-paul-president-2016/index.html